Area's Fitness Ranking
There was an article in the local fishwrapper about the ranking of areas relative to the daily fitness activity of residents. Our area scored poorly. Boulder, Colorado scored the best. I'm trying to reconcile the article to my personal experience. The running community around here is extraordinary. Having a dozen races over the course of a weekend is not unusual. There are a handful of very active running clubs. You have Triathlon Clubs. And, of course, several very active bicycling clubs. Then there are the various hiking clubs. When I visit other places, it's really hard to find as many activities that are available around here. Our club has twenty rides a week. That's crazy. Our website is un like any other I've seen. I guess the point is that fitness activity is concentrated amoung a relatively small group. Perhaps looking at the bigger picture, our area is not so good. But, it certainly isn't because of lack of opportunities.
You've hit the nail on the head, the fitness activity is concentrated among a very small group. The general culture of this area is not terribly fitness oriented. Outside of bike club, no one I know participates in even 1/10th the level of activity that we do. Most people I know think I'm some sort of fanatic or racer or something but I'm pretty average as far as the club goes. I think it's great that we have so many great clubs because it helps to maintain the interests of our current devotees and hopefully others in our local culture will find activities that they enjoy to get some exercise. I think these studies might be looking at things other than biking, running, and hiking in determining average activity levels. I'm sure Colorado boasts many more hikers ( a more accessible activity for most) than we do and things like that are more engaging for the general population.
Having moved away in 1985, but return quite frequently to visit family, I had no idea of all the fitness opportunities available in the WNY area. It took me moving away and the internet to find out about the cycling community, hiking trails, and skiing available in the area. Every time I make a visit I try to squeeze in a ride with the NFBC for the fitness, but also for the great people on the ride. I think the major issue with the fitness level of the WNY community has a lot to do with the long winter, and great food. People become unmotivated with the decrease in daylight hours, and with the snow, and therefore don't do anything. It is easier to go home after work and watch the TV then to put on a pair of running shoes, or throw the bike on a trainer, or go to the gym. I think there is a small group of intense advocates who hike, bike, ski, or exercise daily up there, but for the most part I see a lot of people who enjoy their pizza, wings, Paula's donuts, etc. Can you blame them?